The East Lansing Planning Commission recently reviewed three new development projects: a Meijer gas station, an Indian-style pizza restaurant, and a seasonal sauna park. Two of the projects, the sauna park and pizza restaurant, were recommended for approval, while a decision on the gas station was delayed pending further information.
Meijer Gas Station Proposal Delayed for More Information
A proposal for a Meijer gas station near the intersection of West Lake Lansing Road and Abbot Road was tabled after questions about the choice of location remained unanswered. The proposed 5,700 square-foot station, featuring 12 pumps and a convenience store, would be located across from a Speedway gas station.
Commissioners sought clarification as to why the gas station wasn’t planned for the Meijer store’s parking lot on Lake Lansing Road, and why it was instead proposed for a standalone site. Matt Levitt, a real estate agent for Meijer, explained that the company aims to expand its standalone gas stations, but could not provide specific analytics for the location choice due to “trade secrets.”
The gas station proposal will return for discussion at the Planning Commission’s April 9 meeting, where a vote is expected.
Indian-Style Pizza Restaurant Recommended for Approval
The Planning Commission recommended approval for Pizzawala’s, an Indian-style pizza restaurant, to occupy a former MSUFCU space on Grand River Avenue. The restaurant will offer pizza, wings, beer, and wine, with seating for 128 indoors and 32 on an outdoor patio. The developer plans to open by August 2025.
Unlike other recent restaurant proposals, the East Lansing Police Department did not raise concerns about alcohol-related issues at Pizzawala’s, as the restaurant is expected to cater mainly to families. The proposal will now go to City Council for final approval.
Seasonal Sauna Park Extension Approved
Timber Fire & Ice sauna company, which had been approved to open a seasonal sauna park next to Crunchy’s, requested an extension after delays in the state permitting process prevented the park from opening as scheduled. The Planning Commission recommended an extension to allow the park to operate until May 2, 2026.
The park, which includes two saunas, cold plunges, and a check-in yurt, will remain a seasonal operation, running during colder months. The extension is subject to City Council’s approval.
These projects will continue to be reviewed by City Council after the Planning Commission’s recommendations.
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